Breadcrumb

1. Home

2. Print 

3. Pdf 

4. Node 

5. Entity Print 

Bring Five or Fewer Pet Birds into the

United States

Last Modified: 

Print

This page will guide you through the requirements for bringing pet birds into the

United States from another country. 

A shipment of pet birds is defined as five or fewer birds brought into the United

States that aren't intended for resale and are not a poultry species. 
If you're bringing in six or more pet birds or any number of birds classified as

poultry, they do not qualify for pet travel. This means they are subject to different

regulations. Birds classified as poultry include chickens, doves, ducks, geese,

grouse, guinea fowl, partridges, pea fowl, pheasants, pigeons, quail, swans, and

turkeys. View the import regulations if your bird does not qualify for pet travel.

Carefully read ALL requirements on this page.

Failure to meet these import requirements will result in problems upon arrival

in the United States, and the pet may be refused entry.

Multiple U.S. agencies regulate pets imported into the United States. It's

important that you notify and coordinate with all responsible Government

agencies.

APHIS Veterinary Services Requirements

The requirements for bringing your pet bird into the United States vary depending

on the foreign country you're traveling from and whether or not your bird is

considered U.S.-origin (as determined by a U.S.-issued health certificate that was

issued before the bird left the United States).

Click on the appropriate link below to see the step-by-step guide for bringing your

pet bird into the United States.

Non-U.S.-Origin Pet Birds

Non-U.S.-origin pet bird traveling to the United States from Canada 

Non-U.S.-origin pet bird traveling to the United States from Mexico 

Non-U.S.-origin pet bird traveling to United States from a country other than Canada

or Mexico 

U.S.-Origin Pet Birds

Identification requirements for returning U.S.-origin pet birds are found in each of

the step-by-step guides. Birds that meet the requirements can be quarantined at

home as long as they did not visit a country with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Birds that do not meet the requirements must be quarantined in a Federal

quarantine facility.

U.S.-origin pet bird returning to the United States from Canada 

U.S.-origin pet bird returning to the United States from Mexico 

U.S.-origin pet bird returning to the United States after a stay in a foreign country

other than Canada or Mexico 

Other Federal Agency Requirements

The process for bringing your pet bird into the United States involves multiple

agencies, including APHIS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Customs and

Border Protection. It's critical that you meet all requirements for each of these

agencies.

U.S. State and Territory Requirements

Domestic movement requirements are set by the receiving State or Territory.

Visit the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to find your

destination's agriculture department and check its website for requirements.

For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the State or

Territorial veterinarian's office.

Airline Requirements

Check with your airline to determine whether they have any additional

requirements.

Need Help?

For general questions related to the import of a live animal:

Live Animal Import and Export
Email: laie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300